Instant Pot Ground Beef Taco Rice is the ultimate weeknight dinner for busy families and flavor lovers. Packed with seasoned beef, tender rice, and Tex-Mex flavors, this one-pot wonder is as satisfying as it is easy. The Instant Pot makes preparation quick, cleanup a breeze, and ensures your dinner turns out perfectly every time. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or spice lovers, this dish is customizable and family-friendly. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, cheesy, and utterly crave-worthy meal ready to hit the table. Let’s dive into this delicious dish!
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Ground Beef Taco Rice
- It’s a complete one-pot meal, cutting down on dishes and prep.
- Made with pantry staples and simple ingredients.
- Quick cooking time—just 10 minutes under pressure.
- Bursting with bold taco flavors, perfect for Taco Tuesday.
- Versatile for toppings and serving styles.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1.5 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade blend)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes blended with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for topping (optional)
- Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Instant Pot Ground Beef Taco Rice
- Brown the Ground Beef: Turn on the Sauté function of your Instant Pot. Add ground beef and cook until browned, then drain the fat and set the meat aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add avocado oil to the Instant Pot, then add diced bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft.
- Toast the Rice: Add minced garlic and rice, stirring for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast the grains.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the beef to the pot. Add taco seasoning, salt, and 1/3 cup of water. Mix well.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in diced tomatoes with chilies, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir and make sure to scrape the bottom thoroughly to deglaze.
- Pressure Cook: Ensure the rice is submerged under the liquid. If needed, add a bit more broth or water. Seal the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on Manual (High Pressure) for 10 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes before performing a quick release.
- Garnish and Serve: Gently fluff the rice and serve with your choice of toppings like shredded cheese, green onions, or any favorite taco fixings.
Helpful Tips
- Rinse your rice to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming sticky.
- Scrape the pot well after sautéing to clear any stuck-on bits and avoid triggering a burn notice.
- Choose lean ground beef (90/10) for a less greasy and cleaner dish.
- Gently fluff the rice before serving to maintain its texture.
Substitutions And Variations
- Protein: Substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or a plant-based protein.
- Rice: Use brown rice or quinoa—adjust cooking time and liquid accordingly.
- Heat Level: Amp up the spice with hot taco seasoning or add fresh jalapeños.
- Cheese Options: Stir in cream cheese or queso blanco for a rich, creamy twist.
- Add-ins: Enhance the nutrition by adding black beans, corn, or zucchini.
Storage Instructions
Keep leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to maintain moisture. Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe bags or containers.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 171
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 43mg
- Sodium: 504mg
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 14g
Serving Suggestions
- Scoop into a bowl and serve with tortilla chips and guacamole.
- Wrap in a warm tortilla with lettuce and sour cream for burritos.
- Spoon into halved bell peppers for a stuffed veggie version.
- Top with a sunny-side-up egg for a savory Tex-Mex breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Ground Beef Taco Rice
Can I make this with frozen ground beef? Yes, just extend the sauté time and ensure the beef is fully browned before continuing.
Can I double the recipe? Definitely! Be careful not to exceed your Instant Pot’s max fill line, and make sure the rice is completely submerged.
What causes a burn notice? Usually, it’s food stuck to the bottom. Always scrape the pot clean after sautéing and ensure enough liquid is present to cover the rice.
Is the dish very spicy? It’s mild by default. For less heat, choose mild taco seasoning and tomatoes. For more, add hot sauce or jalapeños.
Can I prep any parts ahead of time? Absolutely! Brown the beef and chop the vegetables beforehand to make this a super speedy weeknight dinner.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for visiting and trying out this Instant Pot Ground Beef Taco Rice recipe! It’s one of my go-to meals for a delicious, stress-free dinner. I love how easy it is to make and how every bite is loaded with bold, comforting flavors. I hope it brings as much satisfaction and taste to your kitchen as it does to mine. Wishing you happy cooking and heartfelt thanks for being part of our food-loving community!
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Instant Pot Ground Beef Taco Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This Instant Pot Ground Beef Taco Rice is a quick, hearty dinner packed with Tex-Mex flavor. A one-pot wonder ready in 30 minutes!
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1.5 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
1 packet taco seasoning
1 tbsp avocado oil
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup water
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Set Instant Pot to Sauté and cook ground beef until browned. Drain and set aside.
Add avocado oil and diced bell pepper; sauté 4–5 mins.
Stir in garlic and rice; cook 1–2 mins.
Return beef to pot. Add taco seasoning, salt, and water; stir well.
Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir and deglaze the pot.
Ensure rice is submerged. Seal lid and cook on Manual (High) for 10 mins.
Natural release 5 mins, then quick release.
Fluff and top with cheese, green onions, or favorite toppings.
Notes
Rinse rice to prevent stickiness. Deglaze well to avoid burn notice. Adjust heat with mild or spicy ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 171
- Sugar: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 14g